Task force makes drug arrests in Claremont and Newport

CLAREMONT — Five Claremont residents and two from Newport have been arrested in a round-up of drug suspects in connection with an investigation headed by the state Attorney General’s Drug Task Force.

Police said the Claremont suspects were charged with distribution of cocaine and OxyContin, while the pair arrested in Newport were accused of distribution of marijuana.

Claremont Police Chief Alexander Scott said the arrests were aimed at stopping the distribution of illegal drugs and illegally-obtained prescription drugs in the city.

“It certainly disrupts it for a period of time,” Scott said. “It has been an issue both locally and statewide for the past several years.”Claremont police arrested Karthryn Burnash, 24; William Rawling, 24; Jonathan Baldwin, 27; Gary Desilets, 32; Robert Simoneau, 39 and Douglas Desilets, 30, all of Claremont.All were released on personal recognizance bail ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 and face probable cause hearings later this month in Claremont District Court.